Introducing Stephanie Patton

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Stephanie Patton is a multimedia artist who has exhibited her artwork nationally and internationally. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a Master of Fine Arts in Photography from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Stephanie’s work often explores human emotion through humor, playfulness, and universal experiences. In addition to her studio practice, she is the producer and host of Lost in Love on KRVS 88.7 FM, where she appears as her character Renella Rose Champagne, continuing to foster meaningful connections through Louisiana’s music and culture.

Who makes up your art circle?

My art circle is made up of wonderful friends, artists and art appreciators alike, family, my amazing students, the great art venues we have here and away, and the communities at large who support the arts.

How do you expand your art circle?

I expand my art circle by meeting artists through other artists and art appreciators. I have also broadened my artist network by attending artist residencies, through my affiliation with art galleries and artist collectives, and by exhibiting my work here and other places outside of the state. I expand my art circle by applying for exhibition opportunities and grants and attending receptions to celebrate the work of other artists. I have made dear friends through these affiliations and various art organizations.

In addition, I produce and host the radio show Lost in Love on KRVS 88.7 FM as the character Renella Rose Champagne, where I continue to cultivate meaningful connections within the station and beyond. These relationships have become an invaluable asset, allowing me to collaborate with and discover a new creative community who share a deep appreciation for the music and culture that we are so fortunate to have here in Louisiana. My goal is to bring a sense of joy and connection to listeners.

What value do you see in having a creative community?

Having a creative community is huge! The importance of a support system to exchange ideas, share information, opportunities, and celebrate the work of all members of a creative community is vital to continued artistic growth. I am very inspired by other artists and creative people of all ages. I believe that it is important to share acquired knowledge and experiences with others to help them achieve their artistic goals. Having grown up in Lafayette, I can attest to the boom and the considerable embracing of the arts that we have here today. We are very fortunate to have the strong, vibrant, and diverse arts community that we all share.

How does your artistic approach contribute to your community?

It has always been my goal as an artist to be inclusive and to engage the community at large with my work. I try to do this by using playful materials and engaging in universal topics that resonate in all of us, specifically focusing on mental and physical health and emotional issues through different processes and often with humor. I believe that art is in all of us and have had the privilege of helping to cultivate it and watch it grow in others firsthand. I hope to bring a sense of self-awareness and human connection to the viewer.